Borneo Rainforests & Villages Wildlife Safari Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Charlie Ryan

Charlie's passion for outdoor adventure, traveling, and nature has been strong his entire life. Hawaii's lush jungles first caught his attention, Central America's rainforests broadened his horizons and, finally, he found Borneo. Well-rounded in the ecology of the Bornean rainforest, he is experienced with species identification of mammals, birds, amphibians, and snakes. He has strong leadership abilities and is comfortable in any situation. He is also certified in Wilderness First Aid and has a good understanding of wilderness survival. Charlie lives in Borneo, speaks Bahasa Malay, and has strong connections with people working to save this beautiful region.

Dean Jais

Not many people can say they've introduced the royal couple to an orangutan and her baby, but Dean can! Fueled by a curious personality, with the jungle as his classroom, Dean started guiding in his late teens. From nature novice to jungle guru, Dean quickly excelled, which led him to win the esteemed Best Specialized Tour Guide award at The Sabah Tourism Awards in 2015. His knowledge and passion for the rainforest are contagious when traveling with him. Meet Dean on MT Sobek's Borneo adventures.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Borneo
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Welcome to Sandakan, a bustling city in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo! The island is divided into three countries - Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia - but your visit will focus on Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Meet an MT Sobek representative at the airport and then transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort, where you receive a brief orientation and a welcome dinner in the evening.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer 
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                    [Headline] => Visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve
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Today begin by visiting the Sun Bear Center for a private tour with the project coordinator. Next head to the amazing facilities at Sepilok Forest Reserve and watch the morning feeding at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. After enjoying lunch back at the lodge, visit the Rainforest Discovery Center and learn about the rainforest ecosystem as you search for wildlife. Return to the lodge this evening for dinner and some relaxation.
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Kinabatangan River
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Take a boat journey to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, a beautiful eco-resort offering a wide range of jungle activities. At 340 miles long, the Kinabatangan River has Borneo\'s highest concentration of fauna, enabling you to see some local residents, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, silver leaf langurs, hornbills, and proboscis monkeys. After lunch, take a hike and then head out for a river cruise at dusk - the best way to view the amazing wildlife that comes down to the banks come evening. Later, take a walk in search of more nocturnal wildlife.
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                    [Headline] => Cruise the Kinabatangan River at Dawn & Dusk
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Watch the sunrise during an early-morning river safari cruise. Back on land, stop in a local village where you are treated to a home-cooked breakfast and learn about the Orang Sungai\'s culture. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon away from the hot sun. At dusk, board a riverboat for a cruise to view more nocturnal wildlife while they are feeding.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2-3 hours river cruising in morning & 2-hours cruising in afternoon
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En route to the Danum Valley today, stop to explore Gomantong Caves, the region\'s largest limestone outcropping and home to serpent eagles, kingfishers, and Asian fairy bluebirds. Take a short trek to the giant cave opening, where millions of bats and swiftlets roost, and spot orangutans and red leaf langurs in the surrounding area. Continue to the five-star lodge in Danum Valley, a protected swath of rainforest where 320 different species of trees are found in just two acres! This evening, head out for a night safari in search of hunting mammals in the open areas along the roads.
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                    [Headline] => Walk Under the Rainforest Canopy
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Rise and shine! Wake up early this morning for a canopy walk before breakfast. For the remainder of the morning, explore the forest, looking for birds and primates from the many trails and canopy walks that radiate from the lodge. Around noon, join your guide for a spectacular hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the rock pools. After dinner, take a night hike, exploring the forest and its nocturnal residents.
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Enjoy another relaxing day exploring this amazing forest and searching for orangutans, gibbons, and possibly a herd of elephants. Your trip leader guides you on walks through the forest and takes you for a refreshing swim in the Danum River.
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                    [Headline] => Take a Scenic Trip to Pom Pom Island
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Embark on a journey to Semporna, the gateway to Borneo\'s beautiful east coast islands, then on to Pom Pom Island, known for its sandy beach and coral reef. The island\'s lack of a village makes your two-day visit even more special, as you stay at an eco-resort committed to minimizing human impact. Check into the resort and enjoy lunch before spending the rest of the day relaxing, snorkeling, or diving the island\'s famous reef. Enjoy your private cabin (with its own covered porch and optional air conditioning) and the spa.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Tun Sakaran Marine Park & Visit the Bajau Laut
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Spend the day exploring the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a natural preserve consisting of eight islands. While there, visit the traditional Bajau Laut villages and learn about their fascinating culture. The Bajau Laut are one of the last nomadic seafarers in Southeast Asia, and their houses are made of simple wooden huts on stilts - built in the middle of the ocean! Snorkel on pristine reefs and soak up some sun, too.
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Check out of the beautiful resort and depart Pom Pom Island to board the speedboat back to Semporna. From there, drive to Tawau Airport for your flight to the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu on the South China Sea. Upon arrival, transfer to the Jesselton Hotel, a modern and elegant accommodation reminiscent of the colonial era. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city. Choose from visiting its vibrant markets, strolling along the boardwalk, or lounging on the beach. Gather with the group tonight for a festive farewell dinner.
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After breakfast, bid farewell to Borneo and transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.
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Accommodations

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Remote and luxurious eco-lodges and eco-resorts, allowing you to access some of the most rare and endangered wildlife on the planet.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge-Danum Valley, Malaysia

Luxury Hotel

Borneo Rainforest Lodge seamlessly combines the indoor with the outdoor, and the wild with the refined. Airy, open-beam common areas make for comfortable meeting places, while beautifully appointed guest rooms have modern amenities, outdoor soaking tubs, and balconies. Canopy walkways connect lodge to rainforest, where you can view an incredible variety of wildlife, such as orangutans, gibbons, and countless birds.

Jesselton Hotel-Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Comfortable Hotel

The oldest hotel in Kota Kinabalu, the Jesselton is a colonial gem. Well-appointed guest rooms include WiFi and modern en-suite bathrooms, while elegant decor, excellent service, and a fine restaurant round out the experience. The Jesselton Hotel is conveniently located near most major attractions, with restaurants, shops, and the Sunday market all within walking distance.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort-Kinabatangan, Malaysia

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is an organically constructed resort combining modern luxury with a beautiful location, built in the middle of a nature sanctuary. The surrounding wetlands have a tremendously rich ecosystem with a wide range of rare species. Boasting comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and great service, this jungle retreat is a modern pearl in the middle of an ageless forest.

Sepilok Nature Resort-Sepilok, Malaysia

Comfortable Hotel

Sepilok Nature Resort is a luxurious outpost beside the world-renowned Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Wild orangutans reside in the backyard of this tranquil property, and the sounds of wildlife serenade guests day and night. Jungle bungalows combine beautiful organic architecture with high-end comforts. Enjoy tremendous service and comfort on the property while a rich wildlife experience lies mere steps away.

Pom Pom Island Resort

This resort recently earned a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor for consistently earning great reviews from its guests. This is a private resort in a gorgeous setting with a healthy population of marine life and offers world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. The resort has its own private beach, complete with comfortable water villas. There is a delicious onsite Malaysian restaurant, and a variety of juices, snacks and other refreshments readily available help enjoy the water, sun, and seascape.

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